My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES A. WILLIS was born in Auburn, N. Y., in 1855. His father is C. W. S. Willis, also a native of Auburn, N. Y., born in 1822. He remained there till 1844, then moved to Oak Grove, Wis., there settling upon government land, which he held till 1858. He then returned to New York State, to East Bloomfield; thence moved to Auburn, and there remained for three years. In 1878 he came to Nebraska, settling in Kearney.

Mr. Willis is a skilled mechanic, and before retiring from active business he was a building contractor. The fact that he is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church of Kearney, attests the esteem in which he is held by the community. He was married to Miss Amanda Smith, a native of New York, born in 1824. She was also an active member in the Presbyterian church, previous to her declining health. Their union was blest with two children, viz.— C. A. (our subject) and Ella (Mrs. Quinley), who lives in Kearney. Chas. A. Willis, the subject of this biographical notice, was engaged for several years with his father in the mercantile business, in Auburn, N. Y.; but, being seized by a violent desire to go West, he urged his father to sell out and come to Nebraska, which course has yielded them a very handsome profit. Charles A. now owns a very nicely located and well improved farm, of three hundred and sixty acres, well stocked and supplied with all necessary accoutrements, and the father owns a quarter section of good land and property in Kearney. In 1882, Charles A. Willis was married to Miss Phebe L. Thomas, a native of New York, born in 1855 — Rev. R. Spencer performing the ceremony. She was educated at Stamford Seminary, and for several years taught in the public schools of her county.

Mr. and Mrs. Willis are members of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Willis is a republican in politics, and has been assessor of Logan township for two years.